Which gas can I use for my Caravan?
LPG gas cylinders are ideal for caravans and motorhomes because they tick so many boxes in making caravanning convenient.
It can power your heating, oven and hob, fridge and freezer and lighting.
Petroleum gas is a process of refining crude oil. Basically it is collected and compressed into a liquid before being bottled. The LPG will remain in its liquid form for as long as it is held under sufficient pressure. Every time you use the gas from the bottle the liquid level reduces and produces a gas.
Types of LPG
There are two different types of LPG – Propane and Butane.
Propane has a lower boiling point than Butane and is stored at a higher pressure so it is more suited for storage outside. Propane has a boiling point of -42.1°C, so it will always produce a flammable gas supply. Propane gas is in a red cylinder and is often used for leisure applications such as barbecues or patio heaters and comes in different sizes.
Butane gas bottles are usually used for portable gas heaters and leisure applications through the warmer months. Butane’s conversion from liquid to gas is around 0˚C. This means that butane can only be used during the warmer months or indoors. Butane is less toxic, so you can legally store it indoors.
Propane is usually what caravanners choose as a rule. This is mainly because it can be used throughout the year and is most readily available.
How to check what LPG you have left?
There are a few ways to determine the amount of gas remaining in a cylinder.
You can get gas cylinders fitted with a gas indicator, so that you can clearly see the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder. This avoids the situation of running out and gives you time to buy a replacement, so you won’t become a cold caravanner!
The most common method though still is if you don’t have a gas indicator, but not a very scientific way, is to pick up the cylinder and swirl it around listening for the sound of liquid and the weight. It is always advisable to carry a spare cylinder if you can.
Safety first
Gas cylinders should always be stored upright in a safe location.
Lying them down may cause LPG to escape through the valve and become a large volume of combustible gas. It is always good practice to disconnect it from your main connection while you’re in transit and turn all internal gas appliance’s off. Make sure that there’s adequate ventilation in the area they’re stored in.
Don’t forget
It is important to get your caravan serviced annually to inspect and test your gas appliances as well as your electrics, tyres, brakes, damp, lighting…. the list goes on. Generally a service takes about 4 hours.
Who to contact to get your caravan serviced.
Mark Fogg regularly comes to St Mellion Storage offers a range of services. This includes fitting motor movers, damp reseals as well as annual/habitation servicing and covers all Devon and Cornwall. As part of the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS), his caravan servicing and repairs are carried out to National Caravan Council (NCC) standards.
To make sure your not disappointed call Mark today and book your service on 07531 091460 or contact him via email on info@caravanservicingdevon.co.uk or visit www.caravanservicingdevon.co.uk
Happy, safe caravanning 🙂
